Maine Golf Courses Deals and Discounts

6 Golf Courses and 7 Deals

Maine may be best known for its rugged coastlines, stunning forests, and charming small towns, but it’s also a fantastic destination for golf. This state offers a unique mix of courses, from the historic Kebo Valley Golf Club—one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1888—to Sunday River Golf Club, which stretches over 7,000 yards and challenges even experienced players.

With 144 golf courses across the state, you’ll find everything from laid-back public courses to challenging designs that test every club in your bag. Maine’s courses are as scenic as they are varied, with options that make every round in New England unforgettable.

Maine Golf Courses Stats

Maine has a surprising number of golf courses—144 to be exact! And they’re a mix of public, private, and even a few municipal courses. Here’s the scoop:

Total Golf Courses: Maine has 144 courses spread across the state, with 124 open to the public, 8 municipal, and 12 private.
Oldest Course: If you’re into history, check out Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor. It’s been around since 1888.
Longest Course: For those ready for a real challenge, Sunday River Golf Club in Newry stretches 7,130 yards from the back tees. Talk about a workout.
Easiest Course: Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport is a bit friendlier for beginners, with a layout that won’t leave you pulling your hair out.
Hardest Course: Ready to test your skills? Sugarloaf Golf Club in Carrabassett Valley is known as one of the toughest courses in the state.

Unique Golf Holes In Maine

Maine’s courses have some cool holes that offer both challenge and killer views. Here are a couple to add to your list:

Samoset Resort Golf Course (Rockport, ME): The 4th and 14th holes head straight towards the ocean—amazing views that might make you forget how tough the holes are!
Fox Ridge Golf Club (Auburn, ME): The 5th hole here is a fun one, with a green that sits on a peninsula surrounded by water. It’s beautiful but tricky, so bring your best shot.

Maine’s Toughest Golf Holes

Maine has some holes that’ll really test you! Here are a few courses known for their toughest layouts:

Kebo Valley Golf Club, Bar Harbor – Hole 8 (Par 4): Known as “The Bunker,” this hole features a sharp dogleg and a hilly fairway, demanding precise shot placement.
Penobscot Valley Country Club, Orono – Hole 9 (Par 4): This hole requires a long, accurate drive to avoid hazards, followed by a challenging approach to a fast, sloping green.
Old Marsh Country Club, Wells – Hole 18 (Par 4): Titled “Home,” this finishing hole presents a strategic decision: challenge the right side of the fairway to shorten the path to the green over water, or play it safe to the left, adding distance to the approach.
Samoset Resort Golf Course, Rockport – Hole 4 (Par 5): This hole plays down towards the ocean, with tree-lined fairways demanding accuracy from the tee and offering spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, Belgrade Lakes – Hole 5 (Par 3): A picturesque setting surrounded by majestic pine trees, this hole plays across water to a bunker-protected green, with shadows making distance judgment challenging.

Golf History in Maine

Maine has a cool golf history. A couple of annual events have really put the state on the map:

Maine Open: A pro tournament that’s been a big draw for talent from across the Northeast.
Maine Amateur Championship: For the top amateur golfers in the state—this event shows off some serious talent.

Maine Golfers

According to Maine Golf, there are an estimated 18,000 golfers in Maine and 123 member clubs in the golf association. With a population of almost 1.4M that results in just about 1.3% of the population play golf.

Famous Maine Golfers

You might not know this, but Maine has some golfing legends of its own:

Mark Plummer: He’s a legend in the amateur scene, having won the Maine Amateur Championship 13 times.
Shawn Warren: A pro from Windham, ME Shawn’s made a name for himself on various tours and has a few tournament wins under his belt.

Economic Impact of Golf in Maine

The University of Maine did a study and estimated the impact that golf had on Maine’s economy. These are the latest stats:

Number of Jobs: Maine’s golf industry supported approximately 4,500 jobs, encompassing roles in course operations, hospitality, and related services.
Golf Tourism: Golf is a notable component of Maine’s tourism sector. 6% of overnight visitors engaged in golfing activities, surpassing participation rates for activities like sailing (3%), downhill skiing/snowboarding (2%), hunting (1%), and snowmobiling (1%).
Revenue and Growth Trends: The golf industry in Maine generated significant economic activity. The total economic contribution was estimated at $270 million, including direct, indirect, and induced effects.
Golf Businesses: Maine is home to a diverse range of golf-related businesses, including approximately 144 golf courses as of 2011.